Hello, all. I have received an email response from NYU regarding the renovation work going on near the Hawk nest. The text is below the set of pictures from today’s visit to the park. I received the email from NYU after I returned from Washington Square.
I was at home earlier in the day and checked the live Hawk cam to see that new scaffolding support ropes were now in view near the nest. I knew this meant the suspended scaffolding was already set up and work was now being done near the nest so I rushed to the park to check on the status of the work.
The suspended scaffold had been lowered below the nest and onto the top of the sidewalk shed below.
Full view of the north-facing facade with the other scaffold at the eastern end of the building:
In this picture you see the scaffolding support ropes in relation to the nest:
The other scaffold rising along the 12th floor windows on the other side (same level as the nest window):
I took video footage of how the scaffolding supports and ropes looked today. Click the following link to see the clip: Full view of scaffolding ropes along Hawk nest
Below is the email I received from NYU:
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the ongoing work to the facade of Bobst Library, and for your concern about the red tail hawks’ nest on the 12th floor ledge. NYU would like to assure the public that the project team is cognizant of the nest, and is taking steps to ensure that the nest is not disturbed.
The facade inspection that is being performed is required under NYC Local Law 11. While we have the rig there for the inspection, we are also cleaning the facade. However, our team is very aware of the sensitivity of the nest and has delineated an area surrounding the nest which they will not touch. The platform will not extend above the 11th floor, and the outrigger lines for the rig will remain clear of the nest. Though there are safety lines that extend from the roof that may pass in front of the nest, they will not touch the nest.
This is short term work that will be completed well in advance of the January period during which the hawks typically return to the next more frequently, and the scaffolding will be gone long before the March nesting season begins.
Once again we thank you for your concern and outreach. If you have any additional questions, please email them to gina.g@nyu.edu.
Best regards,
Gina Marie Guadagnino
Special Assistant
Office of the President
New York University
I responded with my thanks and asked if there was a more specific timeline when they expect the work closest to the nest to be completed. Remember, not only will facade work happen below the nest but alongside it from the roof to the sidewalk shed. I will update you should I receive an answer to that question.
Thank you to everyone who reached out to NYU thus far. Thanks to the genuine outpouring, I trust NYU is keenly aware of how invaluable the Hawks are to us and the city and that the birds must be allowed to live their lives undisturbed.
I will keep tabs on the ongoing work. We’re not out of the woods yet as they say since the nearby work will likely cause some distress to the Hawks.
Of course, this work should have been started right after this last season’s group of Hawk babies fledged in order to minimize the impact on the adult Hawks but there is nothing we can do about that now but reinforce that non-disturbance of the Hawks and their nest must be given priority.
Unfortunately, neither I nor a fellow Hawk-watcher saw the Hawks during our outings today. I would have stayed longer in the park to search for them better but it started getting too drizzly for my camera equipment.
I am glad that NYU is being thoughtful and cognizant of the potential risks in their current project. I think I that we should remain vigilant and keep emailing the school to help engender their respect for nature and the rights of our hawk brothers and sisters.
A special thank you to Roger_paw for everything you do. Without you, it’s doubtful that so many of us would be aware of what’s happening there in NY.
Yes, thank you, I do not wish for this update to suggest that anyone should refrain from reaching out to NYU. These birds are Federally protected and thus must not be disturbed.
Thank you , Roger_Paw , for your efforts on behalf of our beloved Hawks.
I think NYU needs to follow the local law , but is just as conflicted , as we are, in not frightening our hawks and the subsequent family in the spring of 2019.
We truly will rejoice, when we observe Bobby and Sadie return to their home and prepare for their little family.
Thank you for loving the Hawks and keeping us posted on the project ,just beginning in their little neighborhood on the ledge of NYU.
Thank you, Jeanne! Keeping a lookout for the Hawks is a group effort and I’m glad I could be there to pass on the info for everyone to consider and perhaps act on.
I wonder if NYU is aware of their protected status. I’m sorry if you addressed this in ur original post. I read that on Saturday, 10/6. The brain is fried!
With a liberal school like NYU being so cognizant of the rights of all people to be/do all things, I hope they have that same attitude/sensitivity when it comes to the nest.
Are they planning to sand blast or change out windows? What ‘are’ they doing?
Thanks for all you do, keeping us informed on this crisis, but ur beautiful photography of our beloved Hawks is truly a blessing.
Thanks, Karen! I apologize for not publishing your comment earlier! For some reason it was in the spam folder but I sorted it out. Yes, NYU has known about the Hawks’ protected status probably ever since Bobby and Violet first started building their nest in the window.
I do not know the extent of the renovations. The permit on file wasn’t too descriptive about the work. The windows near the facade work are being covered to protect them from I assume dust but that’s just a guess on my part. I do not know if windows will be replaced. The Hawk window surely won’t because that would disturb the nest and NYU has said they will not touch it.
Thanks for your kind words! It makes me happy that so many people love the Hawks.
I looked up the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the legal implications of harassing or threatening a red-tailed hawk. NYU is showing caution thankfully. Here are the facts: The red-tailed hawk is federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (MBTA) which was enacted to implement protection for migratory birds such as hawks, egrets, geese, and eagles. The statute makes it unlawful to hunt, take, capture, kill, or sell migratory birds.
Red-tailed hawks may seek to build a nest within trees or on buildings considered private property, however the birds cannot be hunted or harassed without a special permit, and the removal of their feathers, eggs, or nest from private property is prohibited. Earthjustice would be a good organization to contact for legal help if need be. Thank you Roger for including the letter from NYU. Carlene
Thanks, Carlene – great job! Yes, I did contact Earthjustice last week but have not followed up with them since I received NYU’s response. Thank you so much!